A COUPLE of former players made an instant impact on their return to Evesham ranks.

Ex captain Stuart Berry hit a century in Sunday's easy success against Rushwick, while Ian Stowe's unbeaten 86 the previous day earned a seven-wicket victory at Colwall.

Evesham, who have lost the services of Barry Clements to Barnt Green and Paul Jones to Worcester, have also been reinforced by the arrival of Phil Armstrong and Stuart Langstone. South African Warren Irvine is again the club's overseas player.

The Avon Street side start their Crusader Worcestershire League campaign at home to Kington on Saturday in a match sponsored by the Journal Series.

The Haines family made life difficult for Badsey in last weekend's friendly at Ballards Park.

Father and son Les (4-19) and Darren (2-29) helped restrict the home side to 199 with Wayne Pearse top scoring with 63.

However, the loss of two early wickets to John Ayliffe pegged Ashton back until Les (47), Darren (37) and Jason Haines (21) lifted them back into contention.

Dave Powell's introduction into the bowling attack proved a key move as the chase ended ten runs short despite Fletcher's battling 44.

Evesham v Kington at home, wp 1.30pm. J Gregory, I Prince, I Stowe, S Berry, M Granacki, P Armstrong, Q Jones, S Langstone, G Lewis, N Collins, S Cadwallader.

Fixtures for Saturday

Crusader Worcestershire County League

Division One: Evesham v Kington, Kington II v Evesham II, Pershore v Pedmore, Pedmore II v Pershore II.

Birmingham League Plate Knockout

Wellington v Stratford.

Friendlies

Ashton v Fossils, Exhall & Wixford v Badsey, Newland v Fladbury.

Sunday

National Village Championship

Bredon v Twyning.

ECB National Knockout

Overstone Park v Stratford.

Friendly

Dumbleton II v Fladbury.